Sumatriptan has been shown to be most effective in
migraine attacks, but with transient, slight side effects and high rebound attack rates. We carried out a prospective study on the efficacy and safety of
Sumatriptan in a Saudi population. A series of 63 consecutive out-patients with
migraine histories ranging from 1/2 to 20 years were given six
tablets of 100 mg
Sumatriptan plus two diary cards to record the effects and side effects of the
drug in two attacks per patient. Effect assessment by patients on a 4-point scale at 4 h after first medication was complemented by a 4-point scale physician's assessment. Time to resolution of attack post-medication, need for second dose (rebound attack), time lapsed to return to daily activities and side-effects were recorded. Exclusion parameters included pregnancy, lactation,
hypertension,
atherosclerosis, and cardiac and
cerebrovascular disease. Inclusion criteria were International
Headache Society (IHS)-1988 confirmed
migraine characteristics and ages from 15 to 60 years. Physician assessed responses were excellent in 21 patients, good in 21, reasonable in nine and poor to nil in 12 patients. Rebound attacks necessitating second dose occurred in 25 patients. Side effects occurred in 22 (35%) patients.
Sumatriptan 100 mg taken orally, is an effective and safe acute treatment mode for
migraine attacks in Saudi patients.